Light up your bathroom: Choose the right bathroom vanity lighting

Brighten up your vanity space with this bathroom vanity lighting guide.

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You walk into your bathroom, ready to start your day, only to be greeted by dim, unflattering lighting that casts shadows. It’s tough to groom yourself without proper lighting, isn’t it? That’s why creating a well-illuminated and visually pleasing bathroom space requires careful consideration of bathroom vanity lighting. 

This guide aims to give you tips on how to choose bathroom lighting that not only meets your functional needs but also elevates the overall aesthetic appeal of your space.

How to choose the right bathroom vanity lighting

Assess your needs

Before shopping for bathroom lighting, start by thinking about what you normally do in the space. Tasks like applying makeup, shaving, or grooming can help you assess the level of lighting needed. Doing this helps you understand the specific lighting needs for these tasks, such as the need for focused illumination or a broader ambient light. 


Consider the style and design of your bathroom

white modern bathroom vanity

Look at your existing bathroom layout, including the materials, colours, and decorative elements. The lighting fixtures you select must harmonise with the space's overall aesthetic.

Tip: If you have a modern bathroom with clean lines and minimalist features, opt for sleek and contemporary lighting fixtures that complement the overall design. This could include fixtures with geometric shapes, metallic finishes, or glass elements.


Note the size of your bathroom

The size of your bathroom is important when picking out bathroom lighting because it determines the space available for lighting fixtures. Larger bathrooms generally need more fixtures so they can have enough light. On the other hand, a smaller bathroom can get away with just one or two fixtures and still have adequate lighting. 

By selecting fixtures proportional to the size of the bathroom mirror or space, you can avoid overcrowding or underlighting the space.


Check how much natural lighting your bathroom gets

bathroom vanity with natural light

See how much natural light your bathroom gets since it can significantly impact the overall lighting conditions and influence the type and intensity of artificial lighting needed. When looking for bathroom lighting, choose the appropriate fixtures and bulbs that effectively complement your bathroom’s existing lighting conditions. 


Determine the suitable lighting type 

Several types of vanity lighting are available, each suitable for different bathroom styles and designs. From wall sconces, pendant lights, and recessed lights, you can enhance the overall aesthetic of your bathroom by picking the right type of vanity lighting. 


Set a budget for your bathroom renovationmodern luxury bathroom vanity with lights

Paying for a bathroom renovation is a great investment, and while it’s tempting to splurge on luxurious light fixtures or extravagant designs, it’s important to stay mindful of your budget. Look for cost-effective options, compare prices, and focus on getting a bathroom vanity lighting that meets your needs and bathroom renovation budget

Pay attention to light placement

When choosing the right vanity lighting for your bathroom, pay attention to placement because it can significantly impact the overall functionality and aesthetics of the area.

Tip: For vanities, the primary focus should be illuminating the area around the vanity mirror, where most grooming tasks take place. Placing lights on either side of the mirror at eye level helps minimise shadows on the face, providing even and flattering illumination for activities like applying makeup or shaving.


Select the right bulbs that fit your bathroom needs

clean bathroom vanity sink with wall lighting

Pick bulbs with the appropriate colour, temperature and brightness to achieve the best lighting for bathrooms and for different tasks, like applying makeup, grooming, and shaving. 

The right bulbs also play a big part in creating your desired ambience in your bathroom (cosy, relaxed, bright, and energetic). Moreover, consider using LEDs to reduce energy consumption and save on your electricity bill. 


Optional: Find a reliable bathroom renovator 

If you find bathroom renovation tasks daunting to do on your own, consider hiring a professional renovator. You can trust their expertise, knowledge, and experience in handling all aspects of the renovation process. They have the necessary skills and tools to execute the project efficiently and to the highest standards.

Brighten up your bathroom vanity

Choosing the right bathroom vanity lighting can be tough, especially if you go into it unprepared. Hopefully, the bathroom lighting tips above can help give you the knowledge and guidance you need to make informed decisions.  

Keep in mind that your bathroom renovation should reflect your personal style and needs. If you find the process overwhelming, get expert help from bathroom renovators in your area who can provide the expertise and guidance needed to ensure a seamless and successful renovation. 

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FAQs on bathroom vanity lighting

Absolutely! LED (light-emitting diode) lights provide excellent lighting in bathrooms due to their energy efficiency, uniform lighting, and long lifespan. They make for reliable and cost-effective alternatives for any bathroom in your home. 

For the best bathroom lighting, using bulbs that best suit your needs is recommended. If you’re looking for energy-efficient lighting, opt for LED or Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) bulbs.

Aiming for a total brightness of at least 1,500 lumens in a bathroom vanity area is recommended. However, the ideal brightness can vary depending on personal preference, bathroom size, and the specific tasks performed at the vanity.

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